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October 11, 2023

The Freaky Tiki Wagoon

During my travels to Oshawa for the Autofest Nationals this year, I explored an amazing collection of iconic classic cars displayed throughout Lakeview Park. While I meticulously toured around nearly every classic in attendance, there were some that truly stood out amongst the rest, including a 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon.

Front shot of the Freaky Tiki Wagoon
Front shot of the Freaky Tiki Wagoon

The popularity of Chevrolet B-Bodys is unparalleled with worldwide love. With cultural icons like Dean’s ‘67 Impala “Baby” from Supernatural, Doughboy’s ‘63 Impala from Boyz N The Hood, and the infamous Gypsy Rose ‘64 Impala have solidified the status of the Impala and its subsidiary models forever.

Rear shot of the Freaky Tiki Wagoon
Front shot of the Freaky Tiki Wagoon

At Autofest Nationals, this distinctive 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air was at the front of the show and instantly captivated my attention. The gleaming orange metallics, leopard-patterned scallops and fiery flames running along the length of the lovingly named “Freaky Tiki Wagoon”, all combined created a striking contrast among the greens of the park and the dark hues of the muscle cars nearby.

The leopard printed scallops and metallic flames were a very welcoming touch to the '63 Bel Air
The leopard printed scallops and metallic flames were a very welcoming touch to the '63 Bel Air

The stunning details extended beyond the paintwork, showcased in both the interior and exterior of the Freaky Tiki. Under the hood, a matching surf theme prevailed with a custom air cleaner that resembled a surfboard. Inside, leopard-printed seats and door panels decorated the interior, complemented by a surfing centre console. Vintage Coleman coolers had been cleverly repurposed into a pair of subwoofers, adding to the unique charm.

The matching surfboard up top was a wonderful tie in to the Hawaiian cruiser theme behind the car
The matching surfboard up top was a wonderful tie in to the Hawaiian cruiser theme behind the car

The Wagoon lay low on the grass, the suspension elegantly lowered down to its frame and sported sleek 5-spoke wheels and proudly displayed a matching surfboard secured to the roof rack up top.

The attention to detail was mesmerising
The attention to detail was mesmerising

Modified Coleman coolers were converted into a pair of subwoofer boxes
Modified Coleman coolers were converted into a pair of subwoofer boxes

The Chevrolet B-Body, a renowned automotive icon, has spawned a multitude of uniquely crafted vehicles, among them the 1963 Bel Air “Freaky Tiki Wagoon.” The dazzling scallops, radiant flames, rockin’ leopard print, and glistening metallic orange paint shimmered in the sunshine, making this custom “Wagoon” an absolutely spectacular sight to behold, both inside and out.

The details didn't stop at the exterior, with custom upholstery, console, shifter and many other details throughout the interior
The details didn't stop at the exterior, with custom upholstery, console, shifter and many other details throughout the interior

The leopard print seats and door cards were a very wild addition to the Freaky Tiki Wagoon
The leopard print seats and door cards were a very wild addition to the Freaky Tiki Wagoon

Until next time, keep building your dreams and living life to the fullest.

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics